Nelson: A Dream of Glory, 1758-1797

I'm amazed and thrilled by the depth of Sugden's research and the new insight into the life of this incredible man. Since the age of 11 or 12 I've been fascinated with Nelson and he's been a hobby and a passion of mine ever since. I believe I've read just about every book written about him and truly believed there was nothing left to say. Sugden has proved me wrong.His research of previously ignored original sources (courts-martial transcripts, correspondence, logs, diaries, etc.) presents a 3-dimensional look at not just the man himself, but also of his world and people around him. Instead of mere names of fellow officers, shipmates, politicians and acquaintances who interacted with Nelson, the author has researched their backgrounds and lives also and they "jump" off the page as real people. He also puts Nelson's naval and world views into the context of the late 18th & early 19th centuries rather than looking at them retrospectively through the eyes of many modern authors. Cleverly, the author repeatedly refers to Nelson as just Horatio, further bring him to life as a real person...you begin to feel connected to him.Sugden quickly lays to rest many of the myths that have surrounded Nelson for two centuries; however, this is not a "hatchet job" a la Terry Coleman, but a reasonable and rational examination of documented evidence to refute some of the "romanticized" legends. Nor is the book yet another hagiography of Nelson, rather it paints him as a sometimes rash, impetuous, politically rigid young officer, sometimes suffering severe bouts of depression, and not above "cooking the books" or, in one instance, flouting the authorities to facilitate the escape of an accused murderer. But it also presents him as a consummately professional naval officer, passionately patriotic, sincerely and devoutly religious, driven by honor, and deeply committed to his duty to his country and his men...sometimes to a fault. In it we begin to see the emergence of a natural-born leader of men and the seeds of the greatness that he was eventually to achieve.This is not just a highly-researched and scholarly work, it is an extremely well-written book and an absolute "page turner". If you only read one book about Nelson, this should be it (and the 2nd volume of course).

This book opened my eyes to a world that I knew about but only vaguely. Even though I have traveled extensively, I did not know who Nelson was or the impact he had on a 30 year career I enjoyed in the U.S. Army. I had the good fortune of studying Nelson's life for nearly a year then traveled to all the places he lived in England. Perhaps the most interesting was four days in Portsmouth walking the decks of HMS Victory. The book is interesting and never boring. John Sugden takes you from Nelson's birth place in Norfolk to his apprenticeship then to his always interesting career. I found that the navigation through a Navy officer's career was as treacherous as the path for modern day officers. What makes this book particularly interesting to me is the full explanations of how 18th century sailors used the stars and sun for a GPS. I recommend any serious historian to read this version of Admiral Horatio S. Nelson's life. Dennis L. Cripps

Nelson's good,bad, and ugly side are laid bare with a detail that is almost shocking if it were not for the fact that the real person comes shining through, warts and all--his death in his particular personal circumstances was surely a celestial decision,and was exquisite in its timing, place and delivery--surely an indication that he was part of He Plan.

Vice Admiral Nelson is perhaps the Brit's most beloved military hero. I don't know much about his life before he became a Captain in the Royal Navy and I hope this book will fill in the gaps in my knowledge. Though I've not read it yet I've no doubt it will be worth the price and an absolutely fascinating study of the hero's earlier life.

Sugden has without any doubt done the most research into this remarkable British naval war hero, destroying long-standing myths repeated again and again by the many Nelson biographers through the ages. While portraying amazing details about Nelson's life, it's challenges and triumphs, Sugden takes us deep into the 18th and 19th century contest between England, France and Spain, France's main ally during the period. No part of understanding this time in European history and what it was like to be an active participant in the shield of the British empire, the King's Navy, is left untouched. A remarkable book that I will read again and again!

This volume about Admiral Lord Nelson is by the same author of "Nelson, The Sword of Albion". The book is excellent, well written and extremely comprehensive about Nelson's life. For any person interested in history, especially naval history, this book is a must.

This is a book for people who really want to find out something about Nelsons early life, because the author goes into grinding detail. However, it is well written and holds interest, if you are really interested.

Good read if interested in British naval history.

This is an absolutely marvellous biography that covers the early part of Nelsons career up to 1797. It excels in many areas, giving a wonderful introduction of Horatio Nelsons learning process as he developed into the leading Admiral of his day (or any other day). Sugden manages to keep the narrative flowing nicely, but also manages to intersperse the story of Nelson with insights into the day to day life in the navy and provides fascinating insights into life in Britain in the late 18th Century. The naval battles (as well as Nelsons incursions onto land) are vividly described to the point that you can almost smell the gun smoke . Sugden also manages to show the real Nelson, warts and all, and is clearly reaping the benefits of a lifelong hobby. I cannot recommend this book highly enough, and can happily report that I have just started reading the second part of this epic tale.

Spectacular in its research methodology and attention to detail. Information voids are acknowledged as such and opinion justifiably provided, to enable the reader form an independent view. Strongly recommended to both, the uninitiated, as well as students of history and leadership. Nelson continues to inspire and this book probably blows the others out of the water, including mahan's 2-volume set. The second book is even better and students of operational warfare will find it as fascinating as a lay person unable to distinguish a handy billy from a three-fold purchase!

A wonderful tour de force,brilliantly written,not at all boring as some historical biographies can be .It is a long book but it gives fascinating insight into our greatest hero and a time when Britain ruled the seas and could be proud of her achievement s,alas long gone.This book only describes the first part of Nelson's life ,a previously neglected area,I have just downloaded the second book ,about his glory days,highly recommended!

With its second volume, the definitive Nelson biography. It will not be surpassed in my lifetime certainly, or ever perhaps. By the time anyone cares to try even our graduate students will have lost the ability to dig this deeply and immerse the reader in the experience of a historical biography in such clear prose.